For Black Voters, By Black Voters
Throughout the election season, there have been polls, analysts, and politicians pontificating on the intentions and motivations of Black voters.
Are Black men voting for Trump? Will young people and Black sororities and fraternities show up this election? Will we see Black voter turnout reach historic levels like 2008 when Barack Obama ran - and won?
If there is one thing we know, it's that no one understands us like us. Black organizers, young people, and voters are weighing in with their own POV from across the country.
Find information, inspiration, and insights from any of our activists below in the final run up to Election Day as you get ready to cast your own ballot.
Our Vote, Our Stories
Black Men Do Vote. But Does America Listen?
By Derrick Johnson
America has a listening problem. The experts, many of whom are not Black, say we don't vote, aren't engaged, don't participate, or help build community. This could not be further from the truth.
A Call to Action and Understanding in Arizona
By Shannon Hayes
As the Arizona State Civic Engagement Director for the NAACP, I have witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of voter engagement within our community. The experiences and sentiments of Black voters in Arizona are a testament to their resilience and determination to influence key issues affecting their lives.
Black Voter Engagement: Lessons from Texas
By Jonathon Lewis
As a longtime advocate for Black voter engagement, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of political participation in our communities. From my first presidential election in 2008 to the U.S. Senate, congressional, and local mayoral races, voting is not just a right — it is a tool for shaping the future.
The Power of Our Voices: Black Voter Engagement from an LGBTQIA Perspective
By Demar L. Roberts
As Chair of the NAACP's National LGBTQIA Committee, I have the honor and responsibility of representing communities that are often marginalized in both public and private spheres.
Hope and Power in North Carolina
By Monica Gibbs
The type of leaders who have been voted into elected positions here do not represent the best interests of me or my community. It's as though every struggle that we thought we had overcome decades ago are far from over.
Young Voters Speak
I'm Voting For the Future
By Emily Wilson
Whether it's your first protest or rally, there's always at least one event that sticks with young leaders forever. For me, there were two defining events that sparked my civic journey: COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd.
Building a Bridge: Why Engaging Young People in Politics Matters
By Czaria Cole Valentine
When it comes to youth voter turnout, it's clear that while there have been significant gains in recent years during presidential elections, turnout in local elections is still quite low. Through voter registration drives and civil rights challenges, the NAACP Youth and College Division has demonstrated how young activists can truly make an impact, and they will continue to guide future generations.
From the Classroom to the Economy: Virginia’s Government Must Shift Priorities
By Jalen Vince
For many people in Virginia, where they live and the quality of their education determines their future. This is especially true for students like me, who attend state-funded schools while also working to make ends meet.
The Art and Effectiveness of Authentic Canvassing In Atlanta
By Genesiss Hollins
"STOP COP CITY!" protestors yelled in my face as I exited Kroger, grocery bags in hand. At the time, I didn't fully grasp their anger or the implications of their message. Why would I oppose a facility meant to improve police training and reduce crime, especially since crime in Atlanta seemed to have worsened since the pandemic? Two years later, I came to understand their frustration.
My First Vote: The Power of Youth in the Political Landscape
By Nijah Whiten
I remember the excitement of casting my first vote in the 2020 election. At 19, I was finally old enough to participate in a presidential race, and the stakes felt incredibly high. . This was my chance to make my voice heard and contribute to the future I wanted for my community.